Plastic wrap has been around for generations, preserving leftovers and keeping food from becoming stale. Unfortunately, our convenient, handy plastic wrap is made from a form of plastic called low-density polyethylene (LDPE). After we use plastic wrap it ends up in our overflowing landfills and takes forever to decompose.

If you’re looking for a simple way to green up your kitchen- swapping out your plastic wrap for a more environmentally friendly option is an easy change. There are quite a few plastic wrap alternatives out there. Take a look at these non-toxic plastic wrap replacements:

Glass food storage containers

Glass containers (with tops that seals well) works well for storing leftovers. In our fridge it’s very important to have a see through container since the leftover situation can sometimes get out of hand.

Glass storage canning jars

Don’t reach for the plastic wrap – put your soups, stews and other foods in a glass storage jar. They are air tight and reusable and a great way to preserve your food.

Abeego Flats

Abeego Flats are made from hemp and cotton fabric and comes in a few different sizes. The warmth of your hands combined with pressure causes the flat to form tightly around the item to be stored. The best part: hand wash your flat in cold, soapy water and air dry.

I haven’t tried them out, but my friend Alicia over at The Soft Landing wrote a review.

Cloth or towel

A cloth or towels are perfect for fresh produce. I gently wrap my produce from our CSA in a cloth or kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator. Cloth can also be used over the top of a bowl. Just add a rubber band and your container is virtually airtight. No need for any plastic.

Could you, would you leave some leftovers on a plate and put them in the fridge without plastic wrap? I’m guessing there are quite a few things that end up covered in plastic wrap that don’t really need to be covered at all. Think twice before wrapping.

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31 Responses to “6 Eco Alternatives to Plastic Wrap”

1) Carla B. said on May 10th, 2012

I use lots of reusable plastic containers instead of plastic wrap. I have them in all sizes and shapes, from very small (so that several fit neatly in my daughter’s lunchbox) to much bigger ones for refrigerator storage of leftovers. When they eventually crack or are otherwise no longer useful, they’re recyclable.

2) Marsha said on May 10th, 2012

Yes, our leftovers are much more likely to be eaten if they are in see through containers. Otherwise they seem to get overlooked.

I reuse all sorts of glass jars – from spaghetti, jelly, salsa, pickles – both for dry and fridg storage.
Those Abeego Flats look really cool! May have to try them for those things that are just really hard to get into anything but a plastic bag.

Instead of using plastic to cover dishes in the microwave, use a microwave cover — it looks like the stainless steel covers caterers put over plates only plastic. And while it is more dreaded plastic, at least it can be used for years. I’ll have to check to see if it’s recyclable. Mine was only $1.50 from Crate & Barrel.

I use lots of glass, but LOVE Abeego wraps. They’re a bit pricey, but in addition to being terrific, I like the idea that I’m supporting a small biz. When I was eating cereal, I used to save the waxed bag inserts and use them for a long time. They can even be washed and reused.

9) Susan P said on May 11th, 2012

I like using fabric for produce and sandwiches too, I’ve been using cloth napkins and bandanas and love the natural feel of the fibers.Small glass jelly jars are nice for cut fruits and veggies.

I use glass and tin foil which I recycle. I like the sound of Abeego Flats, will have to see whether you can get them here in the UK. Delighted you popped over to link this up at Seasonal Celebration Sunday as always x

[…] Put your henna powder into a glass mug, dish, or bowl that you don’t mind getting stained (my henna has actually never stained any of the mugs or bowls I put it in, but I still don’t use my favorites). Using a non-metal spoon or chopstick, mix in lemon juice (or any other acid – lime juice, vinegar, etc.) until your mixture is the consistency of thick yogurt or smooth mashed potatoes (it will be stickier than mashed potatoes, but it’s the thickness that matters). Once mixed, place an airtight cover over the surface of the mixed henna (touching the surface of the henna). Plastic wrap is most often recommended for this, but I am experimenting with alternatives because plastic wrap is evil. […]

I wrap my son’s sandwiches in a cloth napkin. Pretty straight forward. I roll the sandwich on a bias and tie the long ends of the napkin together. He tosses the used napkin in the laundry when he gets home. Very simple.